Cable and Wire Installation Tool

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a cable or wire installation tool for easily, precisely and quickly distributing a length of jet or fishing line across an attic, drop ceiling, through a crawl space, etc. The tool comprises a slingshot, a canister containing the length of jet or fishing line, a dart attached to a distal end of the jet or fishing line, and a laser light for targeting the desired location to land the dart with the line attached thereto.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/116,316, which was filed on Nov. 20, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of launching or throwing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device that is capable of propelling a projectile or other element across a distance, wherein the device provides users with a method of distributing fishing line, rope, string, lead lines or the like across an attic, drop ceiling, crawl space or other hard-to-reach area. The cable and/or wire installation tool of the present invention uses a slingshot like type of mechanism to launch or propel the fishing line or other cable in a specific direction or orientation. Additionally, the device of the present invention features a laser light to improve the aiming and accuracy of the device when launching the line from the slingshot portion of the device. The device saves both time and effort on the part of the user when trying to use push rods, draw lines or other items or from having to crawl through tight or cramped spaces to pull cable or wire, and other common problems associated with hanging cable or electrical wire. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, cables and electrical wiring are required in almost every structure, whether in houses, offices, schools, medical facilities, stores or other similar places. Typically, the cables or other wiring are used to connect two or more devices to enable the transfer of electrical or digital signals or power from one device or location to another. Cable and/or electrical wiring installation is required to set up the cabling or wiring infrastructure in homes, schools, offices or other locations.

Various tools and methods are used to properly install the cables, wires, fiber optics, etc. in attics, drop ceilings, crawl spaces, unfinished basements and other narrow areas or passageways. For example, many installers will utilize standard tools and/or methods such as push rods or crawling through spaces to pull or “hang” the cable or wire. More specifically, in order to push cables across open spaces, such as dropped ceilings, push rods are oftentimes used by installers to move the cable or wiring through an area which is usually too small for a person to move through. Installers push cables by establishing a cable pulling area and setting up the cable reels and ladders, lifting the ceiling tile, and establishing the cable route or path for positioning the cable or wire. Further, one or more rods may be attached together to span the length of the area that the cable will be pushed (or pulled) across. Next, the cable or wire is fastened, secured or otherwise connected to one end of the rod using a tape or other temporary hold, such as a string, a small portion of a wire or the like, and the rod is pushed across the area to be spanned or reached. Once the rod reaches the final destination, and the cable or wire arrives at the other end, the cable or wire is unfastened from the rod, and the rod is pulled out of the area from which it travelled.

Unfortunately, the cable rods specifically marketed for this task can be expensive and are not always adequate for the job. Additionally, many installers may find this task to be time consuming, tiresome and frustrating, as the rod can become jammed up in the space or the connection between rods breaks, thereby causing the installer to lose a portion of the rod in the space. If that happens, the installer is forced to connect another rod extension and try again, which further adds to the time necessary to complete the task. Additionally, there is also the possibility of the installer being injured while climbing a ladder or reaching into the area to push the cables or wires using the rod from one end to another, which may further cause suffering and discomfort to the installer.

Another method of installing cables or wires in attics, drop ceilings, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, and other narrow areas includes the installer crawling through the space to distribute the line or fishing cables. However, this method is time consuming, involves a large amount of manual labor, and is potentially dangerous for the installer. Still other installers attempt to use remotely operated vehicles, such as robots, drones or the like, to deliver or pull the cable or wires. However, such devices can be expensive to use, may become entangled in the small space or worse, be irretrievable from the space.

Currently, installers lack the proper tools and methods which can be easily used to distribute jet, lead or other lines across attics, drop ceilings, crawl spaces, and other similar locations, and may experience frustration, discomfort, inconvenience and/or injury in trying to accomplish the task with inferior methods or equipment. Additionally, some installers may be intimidated by the cable or wire installation process and may be reluctant to try distributing jet, lead or fishing line over such attics, drop ceilings, crawl spaces, etc., and may seek other more intrusive methods such as opening up walls or floors to stretch the line, which can be even more time consuming, laborious and expensive.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a cable or wire installation tool that enables a user to more easily and precisely install wire or cable across an attic, drop ceiling, crawl space or other similar limited access areas. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a jet, lead or fishing line pulling mechanism which eliminates the need for the installer to enter a narrow space to pull line or cable from one end to the other, and that reduces the potential for injury to the installer. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a line slinging or positioning tool that eliminates the need for the installer to buy expensive rods, drones or robots for jet, lead or fishing line distribution, and that reduces the time necessary to complete the installation process. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a jet, lead or fishing line distribution tool that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a cable or wire installation tool that shoots a jet or lead line across a drop ceiling, attic or through a crawl space or other constricted area. The installation tool is preferably comprised of a slingshot having an elastic or other tension-based element to be pulled by a user, a canister having a recoil mechanism and configured to release a length of jet or lead line, a dart structure that is connected to the distal end of the jet or lead line to provide a stable projectile motion upon launching of the jet or lead line, and a laser sight for setting a target and establishing a precise flight path for the dart structure. The installation tool further comprises a level or other gauge to show the angle of inclination, and a handle for convenient handling of the installation tool by the user. The jet line is launched when the user releases the elastic or other tension element towards the target, and the jet or lead line can be of a fluorescent or neon texture such that it can be seen easily seen in dimly lit areas, like crawlspaces.

In this manner, the novel cable or wire installation tool of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively safe, easy, convenient and cost-effective solution to distributing jet, lead or fishing line across an attic, drop ceiling, crawl space or similar constricted area. The cable or wire installation tool of the present invention is also user friendly, inasmuch as it is cost-effective and does not require the user to put much effort or labor into pulling cables or wires, thereby saving considerable time. Additionally, the laser light feature and the level or angle of inclination indicator of the installation tool enables the user to accurately launch or project the line from the slingshot with greater accuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a cable or wire installation tool to throw or propel a jet line across a drop ceiling, attic or through a crawl space or other constricted area. The tool comprises a slingshot having an elastic or other tension based element to be pulled by a user, a canister including a recoil mechanism configured to release a jet or lead line therefrom, a dart structure connected to a distal end of a length of j et or lead line to provide a stable projectile motion on launch of the jet or lead line, a laser sight for setting a target and establishing a flight path, and a handle for secure control of the tool by a user. The jet or lead line is launched or otherwise propelled when the user releases the energy the slingshot from the pulled position towards the target. The jet or lead line can be of a fluorescent or neon color so that it can be easily seen by an installer in a dimly lit area such as an attic or crawl space.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a sling shot device to launch a jet, lead or fishing line is disclosed. The device comprises a canister mechanism with a laser light, a level or angle of inclination on a surface, a slingshot elastic element on the top surface such that when the slingshot elastic element is pulled back and released to launch the jet, lead or fishing line is launched from the canister mechanism towards the target illuminated by the laser light and wherein the level or angle of inclination improves the overall accuracy of the device.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of projecting a glowing jet, lead or fishing line over a drop ceiling, attic or crawl space is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of pointing a slinging projectile device towards a target and focusing a laser light placed on the bottom surface of the device towards the target to illuminate the target. Next, the user pulls a slingshot or other tensioned member integrated on the top of the device backwards to increase the tension, and releases the slingshot to launch a glowing jet, lead or fishing line to reach the target. The jet, lead or fishing line is released from a spool and placed inside a canister of the jet or lead line slinging device when the slingshot or elastic element is released. The method provides for an efficient, easy, hassle free way to distribute jet, lead or fishing line across an attic, drop ceiling, or other constricted space.

The elastic or tension element can be comprised of a relatively heavy and vulcanized rubber with a leather strap for the user to hold. The jet, lead or fishing line can be comprised of a relatively lightweight but visible material, such as nylon, or other natural or synthetic material. The cable and wire installation tool can be easily operated by a single person, and may be comprised of a high-impact, lightweight polypropylene that does not rust or easily dent. The tool may further comprise logos, indicia, trademarks, geometric patterns, customizable colors and fonts, embroidery and prints and/or images on its surface.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cable and wire installation tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cable and wire installation tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the tool is being used by a user to launch a projectile attached to a distal end of a length of jet line towards a target; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cable and wire installation tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the tool has been used by a user to launch a projectile attached to a distal end of a length of jet line towards a target.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a need in the art for a cable or wire installation tool that enables a user to more easily and precisely install wire or cable across an attic, drop ceiling, crawl space or another similar limited access area. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a jet, lead or fishing line projectile mechanism that eliminates the need for the installer to enter a narrow space to pull line or cable from one end to the other, and that reduces the potential for injury to the installer. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a line slinging or positioning tool that eliminates the need for the installer to buy expensive rods, drones or robots for jet, lead or fishing line distribution, and that reduces the time necessary to complete the installation process. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a jet, lead or fishing line distribution tool that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel cable and wire installation tool that enables an installer to fire a jet or other lead line across a drop ceiling, attic, crawl space or other confined or constricted space. The installation tool is comprised of a slingshot having an elastic or tensionable element to be pulled and released by a user to project a dart like device that is attached to a length of jet line. The installation tool further comprises a laser sight to enable the user to select a target and establish a path that the jet line is to travel, and a handle for the user to hold, grasp and control the tool. In use, the user pulls back on the slingshot with the dart positioned therein and releases the slingshot from the pulled position towards the target, thereby releasing the energy of the elastic or tension element to propel the dart with the jet line attached thereto towards the target. The jet line can be of a fluorescent or neon color such that it can be seen easily in the dark or a dimly lit area.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cable and wire installation tool 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the installation tool 100 is a portable and relatively lightweight tool for throwing jet, lead or fishing line 108 across a drop ceiling, attic, crawl space or other hard to reach area. The installation tool is comprised of a slingshot 104 attached to a top of a handle 110 of the tool 100. The handle 110 may also include finger grip areas 103 and a gripping surface 107 to aid in holding the tool 100. The frame of the tool 100 may further comprise a gauge 109 to show the resistance on the slingshot 104 as it is being pulled back for use by a user. The slingshot 104 is similar to a conventional slingshot and is comprised of a rubber, elastic or other tensionable element 1044 attached to the handle at end points 1040, 1042. If rubber tubing is used, the ends of the rubber tubing may be inserted on the end points 1040, 1042.

The installation tool 100 further comprises a canister mechanism 102 that is attached to the handle 110, wherein the canister 102 is generally cylindrical and has an opening therein for storing the jet line 108 until it is propelled forward from the installation tool 100. More specifically, the canister 102 has a recoil mechanism that has a length of jet or other line 108 rolled thereon. To shoot the jet line 108, a user holds the handle 110 of the installation tool 100 in his or her passive hand, and uses their dominant hand to pull backwards on the rubber or elastic element 1044 to provide sufficient force to propel the dart structure 120 and the jet line 108 attached thereto towards the target.

Additionally, a laser light emitter 106 is positioned along the bottom surface of the canister 102 to help the user locate an approximate target location and establish a flight path for the line 108 to travel. Once the path is established, the elastic or rubber element 1044 of the slingshot 104 is pulled backward to launch the jet or fishing line 108 from the canister 102 towards the target. The laser light 106 helps in improving the accuracy of the launch of the jet line 108. In addition, a level or angle alignment guide 105 aids in maintaining the desired target line and in holding the device along a fixed path.

The installation tool 100 of the present invention can be used to pass lightweight conductor and communication cables and wires through otherwise inaccessible spaces and without the manual labor and time-consuming nature of existing installation processes. In one embodiment, a canister cap (not shown) may be included to cover the opening 1020 of the canister 102 when the canister 102 is not in use. A jet or other line 108 spool is placed in the recoil mechanism of the canister 102 and is used to assist in the launch of the jet line 108. At one end of the jet line 108, a dart or lead structure 120 is present to give stability to the motion of the jet or lead line 108 during its flight path. The dart structure 120 should be used for flight stabilization for each flight before launching the jet line 108 using the slingshot 104.

The dart structure 120 may be removably attached to the jet or fishing line 108 and a hook is present at the end of the dart structure 120 to which the jet line or fishing line 108 is tied. It should be appreciated that the dart structure 120 may be of different dimensions and/or weights depending on the particular application. One criteria for the selection of the dart or other weighted element 120 can be the desired distance of the target from the user. The dart structure 120 can be comprised of a lightweight plastic, metal or other durable material depending on the needs and/or preferences of the user, but should be heavy enough to pull the jet line 108 when launched from the slingshot 104, and light enough so that it is capable of travelling the desired distance.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cable and wire installation tool 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the tool 100 is being utilized by a user to launch a projectile 120 attached to a distal end of a length of jet line 108 towards a target. More specifically, to use the installation tool 100, a user 200 holds the handle 110 of the tool 100 with a first hand 202 and pulls back on the rubber or elastic member 1044 of the slingshot 104 with a second hand 203, wherein the dart 120 with a distal end of the jet line 108 attached thereto is positioned in the slingshot 104. The user 200 then aims the installation tool 100 is the general direction of the intended target, and uses the laser light 106 to better hone in on the target, wherein the laser light both provides better visibility of the target and helps in maintaining the path of the projectile towards the target. When the user 200 releases the slingshot rubber 1044, the jet line 108 from the canister 102 is released towards the target at a relatively high speed but in a stabilized manner. As best shown in FIG. 2, the jet line 108 from the canister 102 can be shot across an attic 210, a drop ceiling, through a crawl space, etc.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resistance of the slingshot band is about 5 pounds (2.3 kg) at the point of elongation. If the band is then further stretched up to 200% elongation, the resistance would be about 8 pounds. There is approximately a 20-30% increase in the amount of resistance, and the resistance preferably ranges from about 1 pound to about 18 pounds with about 5 to 14 pounds of resistance being preferred. Pulling back on the rubber or elastic bands causes the draw force “F” to increase as the draw distance “d” increases, similarly to when a spring is stretched. The maximum draw force (F.) of the person operating the slingshot portion of the installation tool 100 should be at the point at which his/her draw length is a maximum (d_(max)). This results in the maximum amount of energy stored in the rubber or elastic bands (provided by the slingshot operator), and therefore results in the most powerful shot. To achieve this ideal situation, a rubber band made of appropriately selected material would have to be used which matches the strength limits of the slingshot operator.

The energy stored in the rubber bands and delivered to the projectile (assuming zero energy loss), is given by the area under the curve, which is given by E=(½)d_(max)F_(max), where E is the stored energy. Assuming zero energy loss, this energy is equal to the kinetic energy of the projectile upon release, which is given by E=(½)MV², where M is the mass of the projectile and V is the speed of the projectile upon release. Equating stored energy with kinetic energy we have the equation d_(max)F_(max)=MV².

The elastic or rubber bands 1044 may be tubing or flat bands depending on the preference of the user, or the particular application. However, tubing is preferred as it tends to last longer, and provides for relatively easy replacement when needed. The frame of the installation tool 100 is preferably manufactured from a fiberglass, plastic, metal, metal alloy, glass filled nylon or a combination thereof, and the elastic or rubber bands 1044 are preferably made from a vulcanized rubber.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cable and wire installation tool 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the tool 100 has been used by the user 200 to launch the projectile 120 attached to a distal end of a length of jet line 108 towards a target. More specifically, when the sling shot 104 is released from the pulled back position by the user 200 while holding the tool 100 in the first hand 202, the jet line 108 along with the dart or lead structure 120 is released from the canister 102 and the recoil mechanism and projected towards the target selected by the user 200 using the laser light 106 and/or the level or angle alignment indicator 105. In the present embodiment, the jet line 108 is sent across a drop ceiling 300. In the canister 102, a spool of line of up to 1200 feet in length can be placed which can be thrown towards the target using the sling shot 104. It should be appreciated that no electronic component is required for the installation tool 100 of the present invention to function. Additionally, the 110 handle may also include a handle rest 112 for supporting the arm of the user 200 (as best shown in FIG. 2) and a recoil shield or guard 115 to prevent the elastic bands from hitting the operator 200 of the tool 100.

The laser sight 106 may use a battery 111, such as 3-LR44 type batteries, for providing the laser functionality. In one embodiment, there can be a control button 113 (see e.g., FIG. 2) to increase or decrease the velocity of the launch of the jet line 108 (e.g., by controlling the amount of drag on the line 108 via the recoil mechanism) to fit various requirements of a user. For example, for smaller distances, the velocity of the launch of the jet line 108 can be reduced, and for longer distances, the velocity of the launch can be increased using the control button. Based on the velocity, the distance of the projectile will be decreased or increased. Additionally, it should be noted that any mechanism other than the recoil mechanism which allows the jet or fishing line 108 to be launched upon releasing of the pulled back slingshot 104 can be used within the canister 102 of the installation tool 100 as long as the objective of accurately sending the jet or fishing line 108 to the target is achieved.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “jet slinger”, “jet slinger tool”, “jet slinger device”, etc. are interchangeable and refer to the installation tool 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the installation tool 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the installation tool 100 and its various components as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the installation tool 100 and its various components are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the installation tool 100 and its various components are important design parameters for user convenience, the installation tool 100 and its components may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable or wire installation tool comprising: a support frame comprised of a handle, a canister and an elastic member connected to the handle; a spool of line disposed within an interior of the canister; a dart attached to a distal end of the spool of line; and a light guide.
 2. The cable or wire installation tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the light guide is a laser light.
 3. The cable or wire installation tool as recited in claim 1 further comprising a level positioned on an exterior surface of the canister.
 4. The cable or wire installation tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the elastic member has a resistance ranging from between 1 to 18 pounds.
 5. The cable or wire installation tool as recited in claim 4, wherein the resistance of the elastic member ranges from between 5 to 14 pounds.
 6. The cable or wire installation tool as recited in claim 4, wherein the elastic member is one of a tubular materials or a flat material.
 7. The cable or wire installation tool as recited in claim 6, wherein the elastic member is comprised of a vulcanized rubber.
 8. The cable or wire installation tool as recited in claim 1 further comprising a recoil guard positioned on the handle.
 9. The cable or wire installation tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the handle is comprised of a finger grip and a gripping surface.
 10. The cable or wire installation tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a resistance gauge.
 11. A jet line slinger comprising: a frame having a handle; a canister disposed on the frame and having an interior space containing a supply of jet line; a dart attached to a distal end of the supply of jet line; a pair of supports positioned along the handle; a rubber member affixed to each of the pair of supports; and a laser light guide.
 12. The jet line slinger as recited in claim 11, wherein the frame is constructed from one of a fiberglass, a plastic, a metal, a metal alloy, a glass filled nylon or a combination thereof.
 13. The jet line slinger as recited in claim 11 further comprising a level indicator.
 14. The jet line slinger as recited in claim 11, wherein the rubber member has a resistance ranging from between 1 to 18 pounds.
 15. The jet line slinger as recited in claim 14, wherein the resistance of the rubber member ranges from between 5 to 14 pounds.
 16. The jet line slinger as recited in claim 14, wherein the rubber member is comprised of a vulcanized rubber.
 17. The jet line slinger as recited in claim 11 further comprising an angle alignment indicator and a recoil guard.
 18. The jet line slinger as recited in claim 14, wherein the rubber member is one of a tubular material or a flat material.
 19. A cable or wire line slinger comprising; a frame having a handle, wherein the frame is comprised of one of a fiberglass, a plastic, a metal, a metal alloy, a glass filled nylon or a combination thereof; a canister; a supply of line having a first end and a second end, wherein a dart is attached to the first end; a rubber member, wherein the rubber member is affixed to the handle at a first point and at a second point and has a resistance of between 1 and 18 pounds; and a laser light guide.
 20. The cable or wire line slinger as recited in claim 19, wherein the rubber member is tubular and is comprised of a vulcanized rubber. 